The National Weather Service issued the warning Tuesday afternoon in advance of the potentially extremely hazardous conditions in higher elevations. The warning is in effect Wednesday at 10 p.m. through 1 p.m. Friday.

Passes may close for several hours during possible whiteout conditions, and 10 to 20 inches of snow could accumulate above 6,000 feet, with more than three feet possible along the crest according to the warning.

Winds could gust to 80 mph in the Lassen National Park, Donner Pass, Echo Summit, and Carson Pass areas.